Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 29 January 2026
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We went to Sri Karphaga Vinayakar Temple in Sydney, Australia on 29-1-2026. It is a temple in one large hall with a small tower. When we went there the temple was celebrating its Annual Mango Festival. We could see about 25 devotees enjoying the Puja to the Dwaja Sthamba. About five priests were doing the decorations and the Puja.
The temple has the main shrine with Karpaka Vinayakar in the centre of the hall .On either side of the main shrine are other deities including Lord Siva, Goddess Meenakshi, Nataraja, Lord Skanda Muruga, Nava Graha etc.
Because of the festival, musicians were playing the Nayanam and Melam (Pipes and drums) that echoed in the hall. We could see a small chariot. The temple has announced that chariots and other idols will be taken along the streets.
Since the temple was located in a Sri Lankan Tamil area we saw several devotees walking towards the temple. Temple distributes free food and Prasad all through the festival days. Other days there is a canteen which sell food in the evening.
It has a good atmosphere and sanctity, and one must visit to get the blessings of Lord Ganesh.
Temple Address
123, The Crescent, Homebush West, New South Wales 2140
Mango Festival is celebrated by all the Sri Lankan temples. The story behind the festival is a popular story. Inter Galactical Space Traveller Narada is famous or notorious for creating quarrels among the celestials which always end with good results. He came with a mango fruit and gave it to Lord Siva in the Kailash with a condition that it can’t be cut when it was to given to any one. Siva’s two sons Lord Ganesh and Lord Skanda Muruga were demanding it. And Siva was in a great dilemma. Siva told them that whoever goes around the world and come back first would get it. Lord Skanda immediately flew on his peacock space rocket and circled the earth in a few minutes. But before that the big tummy boy, Lord Ganesh went round his father and mother Siva and Parvati and said they were the world. Both the parents were happy to hear it. And Siva gave the mango to him. Late comer Lord Skanda Muruga was disappointed. This is the background of the Mango festival which illustrated that father and mother are greater than the earth.
During the festival which runs up to ten days or so, the temple idols are taken around the town. The finale will be the chariot festival, and the chariot is pulled by all the people without any discrimination of rich and poor, of high and low status or man and woman or young and old. This festival celebrated by all the Hindu temples around the world inculcate social unity. Moreover God comes to everyone who could not go to a temple.
–Subham—
Tags- Sydney, Karphaga Vinayakar temple, My visit, Chariot festival, Australia
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 27 January 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
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310
Yaga, Yajnas and Sanskrit in Sangam Age!
Poems composed by Nettimaiyar on Mudukudmi Peruvazuthi, one of the oldest Pandya kings, show that Sangam Age was full of Vedic rituals. Not only Mudukudumi, but also another Choza king did Rajasuyam, which was done by Yuthisthira in the Mahabharata Period. We have confirmation of Sangam Tamil Age as Vedic Age from Kalidasa as well. Kalidasa referred to only a Pandya king. He was introduced as a person doing lot of Yagas in Raghuvamsam. That Pandya king was associated with Agastya as well. Kalidasa lived before Sangam age or a contemporary of Sangam age kings.
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311
Purananuru verse 13 has two interesting details.
Like Lord Siva, Choza king also wore an armour made up of Tiger skin. He was compared to Yama (for his enemies).
***
312
Second interesting thing is the similes. The king’s march on an elephant was like a ship in the ocean and moon amidst stars in the night sky. Swords of warriors are compared to the sharks in the sea.
புறநானூறு 13, பாடியவர்: உறையூர் ஏணிச்சேரி முடமோசியார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சோழன் முடித்தலைக் கோப்பெருநற்கிள்ளி
புலி நிறக் கவசம் (Tiger Armour)
களிறே முந்நீர் வழங்கு நாவாய் போலவும், (Similes)
பன் மீன் நாப்பண் திங்கள் போலவும்,
சுறவு இனத்து அன்ன வாளோர் மொய்ப்ப
***
313
Puranānūru 13, Poet Uraiyur Ēnichēri Mudamōsiyār sang for Chozhan Mudithalai Kōperunarkilli
riding an elephant, appearing like Kootruvan (Yama, God of Death),
wearing on his handsome chest an armor made with
tiger skin ……
moving like a boat plying on the ocean and like the moon
amidst many stars, swarmed by shark-like swordsmen.
****
314
One more point to be noted is the use of Navy in Tamil as Naavaay.
Tamil and Sanskrit have same root and so we find thousands of Tamil words in English.
***
315
Meat Dishes
Puram verse 14 composed by Kapilar has some information about non vegetarian food. Tamils of Sangam age were predominantly non vegetarians. There are more references to roasted meat, barbeque etc. in Sangam poems. Kapilar, thouh a brahmin, never hesitated to sing about the meat dishes
புறநானூறு 14, பாடியவர்: கபிலர், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சேரமான் செல்வக்கடுங்கோ வாழியாதன், திணை: பாடாண், துறை: இயன் மொழி
***
316
Shamudrika Lakshana
வலிய ஆகும் நின் தாள் தோய் தடக்கை
The kings hands were long . In Sanskrit it is called Aaajaanu Baahu, arms touching the knee. Lord Raa was praised as Aajaanubaahum aravinda lochanam (lotus like eyes)
புலவு நாற்றத்த பைந்தடி
பூ நாற்றத்த புகை கொளீஇ, ஊன் துவை
கறி சோறு உண்டு வருந்து தொழில் அல்லது, (Meat Dishes)
Puranānūru 14, Poet Kapilar sang to Cheraman Selva Kadunkō Vāzhiyāthan, Thinai: Pādān, Thurai: Iyan Mozhi
With your long hands that reach to your legs,
***
317
King is like Lord Skanda (Murugan )
In battles, your strength is like that of the vast earth.
You are like Murukan in battles.
***
318
Puram Verse 15 composed by Nettimaiyar praised the Pandya king Mudukudumi Peruvazuthi
புறநானூறு 15, பாடியவர்: நெட்டிமையார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: பாண்டியன் பல்யாகசாலை முதுகுடுமிப் பெருவழுதி, திணை: பாடாண், துறை: இயன் மொழி
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319
Donkeys
Ploughing the land of enemies using Donkeys. This is in Karavela inscription as well. The victorious kings destroyed the palaces of their enemies and ploughed them with ploughs pulled by donkeys.
கடுந்தேர் குழித்த ஞெள்ளல் ஆங்கண்,
வெள்வாய்க் கழுதைப் புல் இனப் பூட்டிப்
பாழ் செய்தனை,
***
320
Four Vedas
Half baked people argue on the words Tri Veda and Chatur Veda. Those fools argued three Vedas mean earlier period and four Vedas mean later period. Since those people are not practising Vedic Brahmins they bluffed and bluffed. The word Tri Veda is used in the context of Vedic rituals where only three Vedas Rik, Yajus and Sama are used. The fourth Veda—Atharvana has Rig Vedic hymns in addition to secular matter. Here the poet mentioned Four Vedas.
Pure Tamil word for Yaga /Yajna is Velvi. But at the same time poet used also Yupam (Vedic post made up of wood)- a Sanskrit.
Sanskrit words
Veda, Yupam are Sanskrit words.
புரையில்
நற்பனுவல் நால் வேதத்து,
அருஞ் சீர்த்திப் பெரும் கண்ணுறை
நெய்ம்மலி ஆவுதி பொங்கப் பன் மாண்
வீயாச் சிறப்பின் வேள்வி முற்றி, 20
யூபம் நட்ட வியன் களம் பல கொல்?
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321
Puranānūru 15, Poet Nettimaiyār sang to Pandiyan Palyākasālai Muthukudumi Peruvazhuthi, Thinai: Pādān, Thurai: Iyan Mozhi
On the streets of your enemy countries dug up by your
fast chariots, you yoked dull coloured donkeys with
white mouths, and plowed their protected vast spaces.
***
to fight against your army with shining weapons, or
the number of huge fields where you have planted columns
after performing faultless rituals prescribed by the four good
Vedas, with precious sacrificial elements and abundant ghee?
***
322
Rajasuya Yajna performed by Choza King Perunarkilli
புறநானூறு 16, பாடியவர்: பாண்டரங்கண்ணனார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சோழன் இராசசூயம் வேட்ட பெருநற்கிள்ளி,
செல் சுடர் ஞாயிற்றுச் செக்கரின் தோன்றப்,
Puranānūru 16, Poet Pāndarankannanār sang to Chozhan Rāsasooyam Vētta Perunarkilli
***
323
In Sanskrit literature Lod Skanda is portrayed as the Chief of the Army – Senapati
Tamils also compared kings to Lord Murukan
is donned with dried sandal paste, O Lord who is as fierce as Murukan!
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324
Tamil armies set fire to the enemy towns and plundered the towns unlike Ramayana and Mahabharata wars.
You lit bright flames in their protected lands, devastating
huge, lovely fields that knew nothing of forest but sugarcane,
tangled vallai vines, white waterlilies, cool pakandrai and
fruiting bittermelon vines. O Lord! Your elephants unite
and fight as one, in fierce, fine battles!
***
325
Puram Verse 17 explodes the myths of English educated idiots. Those who studied history books written by the British thought that British united India. In fact, there were more wars and killings in Europe than in ancient India. In spite of the local wars, people considered the whole country as one holy land. People were travelling from Himalayas to Kanyakumari without Visa. Tamils have sung Himalayas and Kumari in the same poem many times. This shows the one nation concept that existed 2000 years ago. In Sanskrit also the Bharata Kanda concept is recited every day by priests and Brahmis in their daily rituals. The wonder of wonders is that they repeat every day (in Sankalpa) the historical period and geographical location where they perform their ritusls.
—subham—
Tags- Purananuru Wonders 7, Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia Part 47 ,Yaga, Yajnas and Sanskrit in Sangam Age!, Shamudrika Lakshana
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 24 January 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
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xxxx
My Visit to Sydney Shakti Temple and Lisgar Gardens (Post No.15,356)
During my last two visits to Australia, I covered Sydney Murugan Temple, Venkateswara temple and Nantien (Wollongong) Buddhist temple. This is my third visit and so I decided to explore new temples in New South Wales state in Australia. We went to Sydney Shakti temple, also called Durga Temple, yesterday. It is a small temple started by Hindus from Fiji Island country in the 1990s. The present temple building was constructed in 2010. Since it is in a residential area, the opening times are restricted by the local council. It is opened two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening.
In spite of restricted hours, devotees visit the temple in good numbers. I saw a constant flow of devotees entering and leaving the temple. On either side of the tall and attractive main deity Shakti, it has Lord Ganesh and Lord Skanda (Murugan in Tamil). It is a small hall which can accommodate 150 people. All the Hindu festivals are celebrated here. During weekends and festival days the opening hours are extended. It is better to consult the temple website for precise information.
Shiva linga, goddess Meenakshi are also worshipped in the main hall. Devotees come with plates filled with flowers and fruits and do the Archana through the priest there. Outside the main hall there is a shrine with Navagrahas (Nine Planets). In the outer prakara/corridor Hanuman statue is also installed. One big hall is there for Ayyappa Puja.
The temple wall is decorated with different forms of goddesss such as Bhuvaneswari, Visalakshi, Mariamman. One needs just half hour to complete the Darshan / viewing.
In the heart of busy shopping area in Hornsby Shire council in Sydney we have a beautiful gardens spreading over 6.5 acres. It is very near the Westfield shopping mall. It is a woody area bought and developed by Max Cotton about 150 years ago. It is famous for two things:
70 Varieties of Camellia Plants
Water Lizards known as Eastern Dragons
Max Cotton loved camellia flowers and so he planted 70 different varieties of the plants. Now there are 300 such plants.
The day before the temple visit, we went to Lisgar Gardens. Though we saw only few flowers, the woody area with creeks, streams and small waterfalls allowed us to breath fresh air. We could smell the fragrance of the flowers. We also saw the water lizards. The eastern water dragons grow up to 90 CMS. The Hornby Shire council bought these gardens and opened it for public. It looks like a forest and one has to go down and down. Those who are adventurous can take the loop walks and go deeper into the bushes.
The garden is closed at 5 pm and signposted to guide the visitors. A surprising thing in Australia is there are well maintained gardens and woody areas very near the cities. Public are not even allowed to cut native trees even inside their houses.
–subham—
Tags- My visit, London swaminathan, Sydney Shakti temple, Lisgar Gardens, Water Dragons, Lizards, Camellia flowers
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 21 January 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
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Three Beautiful Temples that I Visited in Bangkok, Thailand! (Post No.15,349)
I visited three beautiful temples in Bangkok, capital city of Thailand, on 6th and 7th of January, 2026. They are
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Buddha Temple and
Mother Earth Temple
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Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is a Hindu temple on Silon Road in the heart of Bangkok city. It is about 220 years old started by the Tamil Immigrants. Vaithi Padaiyachi constructed it in a shed and slowly extended it. His son expanded it and now it looks very modern with all Hindu Gods including Brahma. The main shrine accommodates Maha Mariamman, a form of Goddess Shakti. Village God Kaththavarayan, popular gods Siva, Vishnu, Uma, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Ganesh , Muruga/Skanda and Buddha are all worshipped there.
Sri Kannappa Kurukkal of Mariamman Temple in Bangkok.
Thai Students worshipping Goddess Mari Amman/ Shakti
Two Surprises
When I entered the temple I saw a lot of Thai students in school uniform, mostly girls, worshipping with utmost devotion. Probably they are on their way to examinations. I find more Thail devotees than Tamils in the temple. They came with plates full of fruits and garlands to offer to different Gods.
Another surprise was teenage girls were taking video film with song and dance in front of the temple. They had Kunkum/tilak on their forehead establishing their identity. Probably they wanted to do a presentation about the temple or Hinduism.
Sri Kannappa Kurukkal of Vedaranyam is the chief priest there. I got his telephone number from Vellore Sri Kalyana Sundara Sivacharya, who took me around the temple and did the temple honours to me. He told me that Vedic students from Madurai, Coimbatore and Tirunelveli are appointed as priest there. They are all young.
***
Mother Earth Temple
On my way to the Grand Palace, I saw youngsters, mostly Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese gathering in front of the Goddess Mother Earth in a road junction and lighting incense sticks. I saw the same Goddess in two more places.
All the names of Mother Goddess are from Vedic Sanskrit, only the spellings are corrupted. It was an echo of Atharva Veda where we have the oldest hymn on Mother Earth in the name of Bhumi/ Prithvi Suktas. Bhumi, Prithvi, Dharani, Ma/mother, Vaudhara and Vasundhara are used in the description of Goddess Mother earth.
But Buddhists added a new story for the worship of Mother Earth through out South- East Asian countries.
When Buddha was meditating under the Bodhi tree, Maran, the evil demon, tried to distract him and foil his attempt to attain enlightenment. But Buddha summoned Mother Earth through his Bhumi Sparsa Mudra (a hand gesture) where the fingers touch or point towards Bhumi/Earth.
Immediately Mother Earth came and twisted her long hair where from the water flew and washed away the evil Maran. These Mother Earth statues are in specially erected Mandapas, or in the gardens and in the Buddhist temples. She is on the left hand and holding Kalasha.Devotees go there to offer flowers, light up incense sticks and worship.
My Comments
Hindus are the first race in the world to describe the land, country and earth as Mother.
Since we have no reference to Mother Earth with reference to Buddha in ancient Pali scriptures, it is actually a corrupted story of Mother Ganga and Bhumi Sukta of Atharva Veda; the proof lies in the pure Sanskrit words describing the earth.
Earth in Sanskrit words
Vasundharā -Wathondare (ဝသုန္ဓရေ) or Wathondara
Sri Dharaṇī=Preah Thoroni
Anangu in Tamil Nanga in Sanskrit= Nang Thorani (นางธรณี))
Kanishta Nanga= Neang Konghing (នាងគង្ហីង)
Evil Mara= Another name of Kaama/ Desire/ Manmatha
Atharva veda says
” Mata Bhumi putroham prithivyah ” (माताभूमिपुत्रोहंपृथिव्या🙂 Meaning “Earth is my mother I am her son”.
There are scores of other verses that glorify Mother Earth. The hymn of these verses is known as “Prithivi Sukta ” in AtharvaVeda .In these verses, prithi is described as vasudhara or vasudha (Possessor of wealth).
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Buddha Temple with huge Golden coloured Buddha
In the heart of Bangkok city, there is a beautiful Buddha temple with serene atmosphere.
Buddhist Temple,Wat Thepthidaram, Samran Road, Bangkok
Rama III commissioned it in honour of his elder daughter Krommameaun Apson Suda Thep
52 cast figures of female monks made from tin, in meditative pose.
It is a monastic living quarters , with village atmosphere.
Great poet Sunthorn Phu resided here.
The huge temple has a big Buddha in golden colour. On the both sides the corridors have more golden Buddhas. When I went there on 7-1-2026, about fifty Buddhist monks, young and old were reciting the Pali scriptures; it sounded like the Vedic recitation in Hindu Veda Patasalas/schools. But only five devotees were there. Whoever enters the building will go into meditation. The complex has Mother Earth Statue as well. The walls have the paintings depicting Buddha Charita.
***
Sanskrit Everywhere
When one travels in car one can notice Sanskrit words everywhere. Indra, Sri, Nagara are very common. If one studies the names of Thai people, one would find them of Sanskrit origin. Description of Mother Earth has nothing but Sanskrit. Moreover, we find Indra Festival as water festival, Makara Sankranti and Tamil New Year day corresponding with Thai New Year day, Brahmin Priests officiating Royal Thai ceremonies, recitation of Tamil Tiruvempavai of Manikkavasagar etc in Thailand. Hindu Gods including Brahma are worshipped in different temples. Ayodhya (corrupted as Ayuthaya) was the ancient capital and Kings are named Rama. Statues of Airavata Elephant with four heads are in road junctions. All these points to Hindu origin rather than Buddhist origin of Mother Earth.
Atharvana Veda has the oldest song on Mother Earth with a long and beautiful description.
Evil Mara attacking Buddha with temptations of Desire
Mother Earth in Politics and Water Board of Thailand
— Subham—
Tags – Bangkok, Temples, Mother Earth, Brahma, Hindu Gods, Maha Mariamman Temple, Buddha Temple, Airavata, Sanskriit everywhere, London swaminathan visit, Thai students
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 19 January 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
xxxx
My visit to Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand (Post No.15,346)
On 6th of January this year (2026), I went to the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The main attraction in the palace is the Emerald Buddha. Though it is called emerald Buddha, it is made up of semi -precious Jade stone. The height of the image is 66 CMS including the wooden base. Now the pamphlet published by the palace says it is of 15th century Thai workmanship. But the old story is that it was made in India and was taken to many countries including Sri Lanka, Laos and Cambodia. The interesting story about the image is the King of Thailand changes its attire thrice a year on a particular day. Buddha wears three different gem studded golden attires in Rainy, Summer and Winter seasons.
The Hall that houses the image is visited by millions of people every year. It is the holiest Buddha image in the country; apart from this one, there are two more gold plated large Buddha images of 3 metres height.
The grand palace was constructed in 1782 by one of the kings of Chakri dynasty. The Kings took the title of Rama and there have been ten Ramas so far. Now the present ruler is called Rama X. Each king added some new constructions or statues. It is on the banks of Chao Praya River like the previous capitals.
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The entrance fee is 500 Baht. But one must be decently dressed to go into the palace. Many westerners with exposed body parts and not decently dressed are stopped at the entrance and are asked to change the dress or fully cover the exposed parts. This is a good rule, also followed in the Mysuru palace in Karnataka, where even shoes are not permitted. They must walk bare footed inside the palace.
***
The Bangkok palace is divided into many parts and all the buildings are shining in golden colour. Only statues are gold plated but the buildings used specially made golden mosaics from Italy.
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New statues excavated
In 2021 new statues were discovered when the road construction workers were digging the earth near the palace. Subsequent archaeological excavations revealed more sculptures. Historians say they came from China. Now they are placed in the courtyards of the temple of emerald buddha.
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Another interesting coincidence is the Tamil new year day and the Thai new year day is celebrated on the same day in April every year. This establishes the Hindu cultural connections.
One can see lot of images of Garuda, vahana of Vishnu, nagas/snakes, concrete replica of Angkor wat temple of Cambodia; there are golden coloured images of Asura Pakshi, Apsaras, Kinnara and Gandharva etc.
Annual royal ploughing ceremony is held with the help of Brahmin priests.
178 episodes of Ramayana !
The cloisters that include the temple buildings have walls that are painted with 178 episodes of Ramakien story as composed by Rama I and follows prince Rama’s story in clockwise progression from the north door of the cloister opposite the Phra vihara chapel. Its scenes depict gods and humans, monkeys and demons, life inside and outside the palace and cities while four legged animals, birds and mythical animals of the Himavanta forest abound in jungles, plains and oceans.
7 May 2018 — Thailand has got lot of Hindu sculptures from Ganesh to Kubera. Vedic gods Indra, Yama, Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma are also found in different …
Thailand and Laos have different stories associated with it. In Thailand there lived a wise man who can speak with birds. His name was Dharmabarn (Dharma …
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
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Twelve Vaishnavite Tamil saints are called Alvars (aalvaar). Most of them lived 1200 years ago, a few of them even earlier. 4000 poems on Lord Vishnu and his Ten Avatars sung by them are compiled in the book called Divya Prabandham. Here is some interesting information about secular subjects and religious matters. (Translation of poems by Kausalya Hart are taken from Project Maduri)
Solar Eclipse in Mahabharata
(original poem is in Tamil)
335. If you want to see the young son of Devaki, Kaṇṇan, the lord who hid the light of the sun with his discus for thirty nalihais, made enemy kings wait and conquered them, go to the people who saw him drive the chariot for Arjuna when Arjuna fought and killed Jayathratha in the Bharatha war.
This episode is actually about solar eclipse happened 3000 years ago. The battle was fought on alternate days.
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Space Travel
70. You listened to the words of the strong cowherds, fought and controlled seven strong bulls and married the dark-haired Nappinnai, lovely as a peacock. You went on a bright shining chariot, searched for the lost children, found them and brought them back to their mother. O dear one, shake your head and crawl for me once. You are a bull and you fight for the cowherds. Crawl, crawl.
This poem says that they went in a space shuttle and returned in a moment
403. The Thiruppadi of the lord who brought the four children of his guru back to life quickly when they could not be alive as soon as they were born is Srirangam where good Vediyars skilled the Vedas live, making sacrifices with fire and receiving guests happily.
Tamil Word in the poem is IRAIP POZUTHU which means a moment
Periyalvar and Nammalvar sang about this space travel.
Commentators added Muhurta and the meaning of Muhurta in ancient days was different from today. Now it means 48 minutes. But in Rig Veda it meant a moment
Sanskrit dictionary (From Wisdomlib.org)
Muhūrta (मुहूर्त).—[hurch-kta dhātoḥ pūrvaṃ muṭ ca Tv.]
1) A moment, any short portion of time, an instant; नवाम्बुदानीकमुहूर्त- लाञ्छने (navāmbudānīkamuhūrta- lāñchane) R.3.53; संध्याभ्ररेखेव मुहूर्तरागाः (saṃdhyābhrarekheva muhūrtarāgāḥ) Pañcatantra (Bombay) 1.194; Meghadūta 19; Kumārasambhava 7.5.
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary
Muhūrta (मुहूर्त).—i. e. muhur + ta, I. m. and n. 1. A moment, [Rāmāyaṇa] 3, 50, 6; some time, [Vikramorvaśī, (ed. Bollensen.)] 40, 4 (paraṃ muhūrtāt, After some time, not yet). 2. The thirtieth part of a day and night, or forty-eight minutes. Ii. m. An astrologer.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary
Muhūrta (मुहूर्त).—[masculine] [neuter] moment, instant; hour ( = 1/30 day); [instrumental] & [ablative] in a moment, after a little while, immediately, directly.
Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary
Muhūrta (मुहूर्त) as mentioned in Aufrecht’s Catalogus Catalogorum:—jy. See Muhūrta (मुहूर्त):—[from muh] a m. n. a moment, instant, any short space of time, [Ṛg-veda] etc. etc. ([in the beginning of a compound], in a moment; tena ind. after an instant, presently)
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Numbers in Periyalvar Poems
Who is God? What is God? What is the nature of God?
752. You are five things—taste, light, touch, sound and smell in earth. You are four things—taste, light, feeling of touch, and sound in water. You are three things—taste, light and heat in fire. You are two things—the touch and the sound of the wind. You are the unique ancient one. You are many things on the earth. You are the dark-colored one. Who has the power to know who you are?
This is pure science. This deals with Big Bang to Evolution of earth and living beings.
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753. You are the six actions— learning, teaching, performing sacrifices, making others perform sacrifices, giving and receiving. You are worshipped by the fifteen sacrifices. You are the beautiful two—wisdom and renunciation, and the three devotions, devotion for god, the devotion that gives knowledge to know god, and the highest devotion that gives moksha. You are the seven and six and eight. You are many wisdoms, the true and the false. You are taste, light, touch, sound and smell. You, Māyan, are everything on earth yet who can see you?
Number 24
754. You are the chief of the twenty-four philosophies, the five elements water, land, fire, wind and the sky, the five sense organs, body, mouth, eyes, nose and ears, the five organs of action, mouth, legs, hands, the unclean organs, the five senses, taste, sight, hearing, smell and touch and the four organs of knowledge, mind, ego, knowledge, and ignorance. You who stay in the sky are all these and more. O Māyan, who can see you?
Number 33+5+16
755. You are the thirty-three Sanskrit sounds. You are the five consonants, and the sixteen vowels. You are the lord of the five special sounds in Tamil and the mantra with twelve sounds, “Om namo bhagavate Vāsudevāya.” You are the three faultless lights—the sun, the moon and the stars. You have entered my heart—why, O my lord?
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766. You are the four Vedas, the Six Angas (ancillary subjects) and their meaning. You, the precious one rest on the wide ocean on many-headed Adishesha. Aren’t you the one with a white conch and the Sarngam bow?
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You are Three in One- Echo of Kalidasa
World famous Indian poet Kalidasa wrote that all the Three Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Siva are one entity. They are seen in different angles. This is echoed by Saivite and Vaishnavite Poets in many hymns.
768. You are unique, but you, limitless, are also the three gods, Shiva, Vishnu and Nānmuhan, and the four gods. You who rest on Adishesha on the wide ocean are the source of good karma, and give joy and goodness to all. No one can comprehend your form. How can you, the ancient god, come to the world in human form?
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Numbers 7 8 9 10
865. O heart, if you want to remove the eight bad thoughts and live without fault and reach moksha and rule the world, you must think and worship the feet of the god, our father, who is wisdom, the sun, and the world, who took the form of a single-tusked boar and split open the earth.
828. The ancient lord is eight and eight and eight, he is seven and seven and seven, and he is eight and three and one. Devotees worshiping with the eight letter mantra, “Om namo Nārāyaṇāya,” will go to heaven and rule there.
829. If people love him tirelessly and think of him always in their minds, reciting the eight-letter mantra with love and worshiping the beautiful ankleted feet of the god who rests on the snake bed on the ocean, they will go to heaven and rule there.
830. He is the ten directions, the soul of the ten guardians of the directions, the nine notes of music, the nine rasas of dance and he, the ancient and the most powerful one, came to this world in ten avatharams. Only if devotees worship him with devotion will they reach moksha.
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Asuras Destroyed by Vishnu
858. You destroyed the angry king of Kasi, Vakkaran, Pavuṇḍran, the furious Maliman, Sumali, Kesi and Thenugan. I will not give my love and affection to anyone, only to your anklet-adorned feet.
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810. You, a hero, bent your bow, killed the Asurans Vakkaran, Karan and Muran and sent their heads to Yama. You, a cowherd, stay in flourishing Kuḍandai with ponds and blooming groves and rich fields protected by many fences.
—subham—
Tags- Interesting Titbits, Tamil Vaishnavite Alvar Poems, Space travel, Numbers, three gods
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
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Avatars
Avataara means a descent. The incarnation of a deity, especially of Vishnu. The origin of avatara is in the Rig Veda. Three steps of Vishnu, Varaha Avatara in the story of Emusha are in the Vedas. Flood story of Matsya Avatara is in all cultures around the world.
Boar incarnation is in Taitriya Samhita and Satapata Brahmana of Yajur Veda.
Kurma/ Tortoise Avatara is in Satapatha Brahmana as Prajapati assuming a form of Tortoise.
Matsya/Fish Incarnation
Fish Avatara is also in the same Brahmana book in the story of deluge. Manu found a small fish which grew to a large size which he left in the ocean. It directed him to construct a ship, Manu fastened the vessel to the horn of the huge fish. All boarded the ship and the fish/ Matsya Avatar saved them. Mahabharata repeated the story with some variations.
Kurma/Tortoise Avatara and the Churning of the Milky Ocean
The germ of this Avatara is Satapata Brahmana book. Later additions in the Puranas show Vishnu assuming the tortoise form. In the Satya Yuga, he placed himself at the bottom of the ocean of milk and made his back the base or pivot of the Mandara Mountain. The gods and demons twisted the great serpent Vasuki round the mountain and dividing into two parties, each took an end of the snake as a rope and thus churned the ocean until they recovered the desired objects.
These were
Amrita- elixir of life;
Dhanvantari- Father of Medicine holding the cup of Amrita;
Lakshmi- Goddess of Fortune and Walth;
Suraa- Goddess of Wine;
Chandra- the Moon;
Rambha- Apsaras beauty;
Uchchaisrvas- Divine Horse;
Kaustuba- a celebrated jewel;
Parijata- paarijaata- a Celestial Tree;
Surabhi- Divine cow of Plenty;
Airavata- Elephant;
Sankha/ Conch- Conch of Victory;
Dhanus- a famous bow;
Visha/Poison.
Lord Siva devoured the poison to save Devas and demons, but his wife Parvati prevented it going down his gullet. When it was stopped at his neck/throat, that became blue in colour. So Siva was called Neelakanta (Blue throated). This name is in the Vedas and 2300 year old Sangam Tamil literature.
All these avataras were sung by Tamil saints. And many of them are in Tamil Sangam books. That shows all the Hindus from Himalayas to Kanyakumari were very familiar with Hindu Puranas.
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Narasimha – man lion –avatara is more popular than Varaha avatara. in Tamil he is known as Singa Perumal.
The story of this incarnation of Vishnu is as follows:
Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakasipu were two demon brothers, hostile to Vishnu. Hiranyaksha was killed by Varaha avatar. Hiranyakasipu, then became the king of the demons and vowed eternal war with Vishu. His young son, Prahlada, was however became a devotee of Vishnu. Hiranyakasipu tried all means to change his mind, but in vain. Exasperated with this he asked the young boy, if his god Vishnu was all pervasive, could be found in the pillar in front of him; and then hacked it with his sword. The pillar cleft in twine and oust burst from it to the astonishment of Hiranyakasipu, the angry god in the shape of a Man-Lion. He tore to pieces the impious demon king. He was called Ugra Narasimha.
His anger subsided after Prahlada’s prayer; then he became Lakshmi Narasimha.
Yoga Narasimha is another form in which the god is seen squatting in a meditative mood. Simhachalam, Ahobilam , Namakkal, Narasimham near Madurai, Singa Perumal kovil are some of the places sacred to Narasimha. The usual Vaishnava symbols Sankha and Chakra are seen in his upper arms. The monolithic Ugra Narasimha found in the ruins of Vijayanagara was established by Krishna Deva Raya in 1528 CE. Statues of Narasimha are found on mountain tops, caves and deep forests. He has four hands.
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VAMANA / TRIVIKRAMA AVATAR
Vamana, the dwarf incarnation of Vishnu, is worshipped as Trivikrama – in Tamil Ulgalantha Perumal. Trivikrama means ‘god who took three strides’. Tamil name means ‘the lord who measured the universe’ (with three strides).
The story is a powerful demon king named Bali, the great grandson of Hiranyakasipu conquered the three worlds and ruled them, in spite of his birth, in charity and with justice. Indra, the chief of devas, was thus superseded. Devas got alarmed and requested Vishnu to restore Indra to his legitimate position.
Vishnu could not go to war against Bali, as he was a virtuous king. So, he went in the guise of a dwarf Brahmana, as a Brahmachari, Vedic student. He begged of Bali for three feet of land on which he could sit and meditate on God undisturbed. The generous Bali granted the request. Then the dwarf grows to a height transcending the world, take in at one step the whole earth, covering the sky with the next, and demanding of Bali to show him room for the third. True to his promise, Bali offered his own head, on which the placed his foot and sent him down to lower regions. Because he was just, he was allowed to return to his kingdom every year. That day is celebrated even today.
At Tirukkovilur in Tamil Nadu is a celebrated shrine of Trivikrama. Another one is in the Ulagalanda Perumal temple at Kanchi. Mahabalipuram has one figure with eight hands. Brahma is also shown touching the finger of the god.
In the Ramaswami temple in Kumbakonam is a sculptured pillar on which the story of Vamana avatar is well represented.
Representations of Vamana figures with water pot and an umbrella are found in the demarcation stones of fields granted in charity.
A festival in honour of Bali is observed by the people of Mysore on the first day after Deepavali Amavasya.
In Kerala, people connect Bali with their harvest festival, the Onam, in which they worship a clay figure of this high-minded emperor. It is supposed that the king is permitted by Vishnu to visit every year the fair earth over which he ruled once and to satisfy himself that the people are quite happy and glad as in his time.
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Rama and Krsina Avatar sculptures, images
Vishnu Avatar images, on Snake bed
KALKI AVATAR
Kalki avatar is only a prospective incarnation in which the god is expected to appear as a powerful hero riding on a white horse- back, a sword in hand, to suppress the growing wickedness of the Mlechchas (anti Hindu elements).
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BUDDHA
The Buddha avatar is a later addition by Jayadeva of Orissa and so Hindus don’t worship him. No deity of Buddha is found in any old Hindu temple.
Apart from these avataras , lord Vishnu is depicted in various forms in ancient Hindu temples.
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RAMA and KRISHNA
Most popular avataras Rama and Krishna are worshipped throughout India. All their leelas or their victories over demons are shown in paintings and sculptures. Since all these are in epics and Puranas, most of the people know the stories behind them.
In Sangam Tamil literature even the Yamnua River and Gopikas episode is sung by a poet. Untold stories of Rama are found in Sangam Tamil books.
Over 20 Avataras are mentioned in the Puranas. But only ten are called Dasaavataaraas (Dasa= Ten)
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PARASURAMA
Three Ramas were sung by the saints: Dasaratha Rama, husband of Sita; Balaraman- brother of Krishna and Parasuraman- Rama with axe on his shoulder. He was born as the son of Jamadagni in Treta Yuga. He fought with arrogant Kshatriyas and finished their domination. But he bowed to Rama, a Kshatriya, and gave all his strength to him.
—Subham—
Tags- Avatara, incarnations, Ten, Dasa, Hinduism through 500 Pictures in Tamil and English-36; படங்கள் மூலம் இந்து மதம் கற்போம்-36
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
xxxx
Item 288 War Mongers
Puranānūru 7, Poet Karunkulal Āthanār sang to Chozhan Karikāl Peruvalathān (Karikālan),( kari kaalan)
Karikal Choza was one of the greatest Cholza kings of Sangam Age. The worst thing about the Tamils is they fought among themselves continuously for over 1500 years in Tamil Nadu. Here the poet praised Karikal Choza for setting fire to his enemy towns without considering whether it is day or night. What we hear is the crying of the people. The king plundered the towns of the enemies. This is the message of the poem. Tamils were war mongers.
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289
Karikalan was riding an elephant unlike other kings who rode on a horse. He is called Black Legged or Mr Black Foot. There was a family fighting to get the throne and there was an arson attack against him where he got these black feet. We have a similar named king in Puranas- Kalmasha pada.
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290
Vishnu is praised as having Lakshmi on his chest. Here Karikalan is considered a king where Goddess of wealth and Kingdom resides on his chest refusing to go anywhere else. This is an ancient Hindu belief. Even the kingdom is called Rajya Lakshmi. Prosperity, Wealth, Asset are called Lakshmi in Hindu literature.
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291
Name of the poet
The same poet composed another poem about Karikalan. Commentators guess that his hair was so black even when he was old and so the poet was called Karun Kuzal + Aathan. We see more names in Tamil based on one’s body parts. More poets have Eye in their names such as Big Eye, Red Eye etc.
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Important lines from Puram verse
Your chest is so broad, and Thirumakal (Lakshmi) forsakes others for it.
………………..
You do not consider whether it is day or night to plunder enemy towns, blazing them as their citizens cry loudly.
மா மறுத்த மலர் மார்பின் Lakshmi in Chest, 5 ……………….
எல்லையும் இரவும் எண்ணாய், பகைவர் ஊர் சுடு விளக்கத்து அழு விளிக் கம்பலைக் கொள்ளை மேவலை Arson attack and plundering
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292
King is greater than Sun
புறநானூறு8, பாடியவர்: கபிலர், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சேரமான் செல்வக்கடுங்கோ வாழியாதன்,
Puranānūru 8, Poet Kapilar sang for Cheraman Selva Kadunkō Vāzhiyāthan,
Kapilar is the most famous poet of Sangam age. He had the highest praise from other poets for being a Brahmin of spotless character. Moreover, he was the one who has contributed highest number of poems in Sangam tamil Literature.
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293
Here Kapilar praised Chera King by comparing him with the Sun. According to the poet Sun is defective in many ways. Sun hides behind the mountain (implying Chera King never hides). Sun shines only in the day time (Chera king is shining for ever)
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294
My Comments
Commentators never mentioned Zodiac or Uttarayana (northward march of Sun) and Dakshinayana (southward march of sun). I think Kapilar meant only this when he said மாறி வருதி – you come from various directions.
Another point that I would like to add is the Zodiac. Sun travels in circles mean he moves from one sign to another sign. He completes one circle every year by travelling through 12 zodiac signs.
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295 Sanskrit Words
Note the Sanskrit words Bogam and Mandilam in the poem
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Important lines He (Chera king) is greatly generous.
O sun which goes rapidly in circles! How can you compare yourself to Cheralathan with a murderous army that fights battles?
போகம் (Sanskrit word) வேண்டி – desiring pleasure,
கடந்து அடு தானைச் சேரலாதனை யாங்கனம் ஒத்தியோ – how are you equal to Cheralathan with murderous armies that attack .
வீங்கு செலல் மண்டிலம் (Sanskrit Word) – O sun who goes fast in circles, மலை மறைந்து ஒளித்தி – you hide behind mountains,
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296
Puranānūru 9, Poet Nettimaiyār sang for Pandiyan Palyākasālai Muthukudumi Peruvazhuthi.
Go Brahmanebhya Subhamastu Nityam Loka Samstha Sukino Bhavantu
வாழ்க அந்தணர் வானவர் ஆனினம் – திருஞான சம்பந்தர்
புறநானூறு9, பாடியவர்: நெட்டிமையார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: பாண்டியன் பல்யாகசாலை முதுகுடுமிப் பெருவழுதி,
This Pandya King was praised in Puram verse six as a great worshipper of Siva and Brahmins reciting Four Vedas. Here Nettimaiyar adds the ancient Hindu prayer that the whole world should live happily. They always mention From Brahmin to people of all castes, From cow to all living beings should live happily. All the Sanskrit dramas and all the Hindu rituals end with this prayer.
வாழ்க அந்தணர், வானவர், ஆன் இனம்!
வீழ்க, தண்புனல்! வேந்தனும் ஓங்குக!
ஆழ்க, தீயது எல்லாம்! அரன் நாமமே
சூழ்க! வையகமும் துயர் தீர்கவே!
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புறநானூறு9, பாடியவர்: நெட்டிமையார்,
“ஆவும், ஆன் இயல் பார்ப்பன மாக்களும், பெண்டிரும், பிணியுடையீரும் பேணித் தென்புல வாழ்நர்க்கு அருங்கடன் இறுக்கும் பொன் போல் புதல்வர்ப் பெறாஅதீரும், எம் அம்பு கடி விடுதும், நும் அரண் சேர்மின்” என 5 அறத்து ஆறு நுவலும் பூட்கை மறத்தின், கொல்களிற்று மீமிசைக் கொடி விசும்பு நிழற்றும் எங்கோ வாழிய, குடுமி, தங்கோச் செந்நீர்ப் பசும்பொன் வயிரியர்க்கு ஈத்த, முந்நீர் விழவின் நெடியோன் 10 நன்னீர்ப் பஃறுளி மணலினும் பலவே!
He announces in a righteous manner, “Cows, Brahmins with the nature of cows, women, those who are sick, and those living in the southern land with no gold-like sons to perform precious last rites, take refuge! We are ready to shoot volleys of arrows!”
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297
Dharma Yuddha- Hindu Wars based on Rules
Kannaki also ordered the Fire God Agni not to burn the above category of people in Silappadikaram.
In other verses of Purananuru ,we see those who have not got sons yet should not undertake any life threatening task or ritual. So, kings always announce before starting a war that all those vulnerable people should keep away from the war zone. We see this in Mahabharata as well. After sun set both the fighting parties even treated injured people.
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298 Kumari Kanda
This poet lived in the age when ancient South Madurai existed. Later the sea devoured a big area in a Tsunami catastrophe including Then Madurai. Here we get important geographic details about Pahruli River that ran in ancient Kumari Region and the Nediyon Hills.
We also get some details about Indra Festival (Ocean Festival). Silappadikaram and Manimekalai, two Tamil epics, give us full details of Indra Festival.
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our king Kudumi, live for long, more days than the number of sands on the banks of Pakruli River with fine water, where his ancestor Nediyōn celebrated ocean festivals, and gave musicians fresh, reddish gold gifts!
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299 Sand Simile
Hindu poets who composed poems in Tamil and Sanskrit wished long life to the kings. They always used infinity years by saying king should live more years than the sand particles on the banks or the number of stars in the sky.
Now we know that the universe has billion, billion stars. No one can even imagine the number of sand particles on any riverbank or sea shore. How clever our poets were!
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300 முந்நீர் Three Waters= Sea
Tamils were great observers of nature. In Tamil only we have a strange name for sea or ocean Three Waters.
Two commentators give two different interpretations.
Sea is composed of River water, Rain water and Spring water and so it is Three Waters.
Another interpretation is that Sea does three tasks Creation, Protection and Destruction like Brahma, Vishnu and Siva.
Both are very scientific. We know how land came from sea and how they would be destroyed in Tsunami at the end.
Spring water: Now only scientists have discovered deep sea hot springs. Probably our ancestors knew this as well.
Imporatnt Lines in Tamil
முந்நீர்– தமிழகம் கிழக்கு தெற்கு மேற்கு ஆகிய மூன்று திசையானும் நீர்வளைவுண்டது. முந்நீர் என்னும் தமிழ்க்கிளவி இம்முப்புறக் கடலமைப்பைச் சுட்டுவது – வ. சுப. மாணிக்கனாரின் ‘தமிழ்க்காதல்’ நூல், ஆற்று நீரும், ஊற்று நீரும் மழை நீரும் உடைமையான் முந்நீர் – ஒளவை துரைசாமி புறநானூறு 9 உரை, நிலத்தைப் படைத்தலும் காத்தலும் அழித்தலுமாகிய நீர் – நச்சினார்க்கினியர் மதுரைக்காஞ்சி 75
Meanings: ஆவும் – and cows, ஆன் இயல் பார்ப்பன மாக்களும் – and Brahmins who have the nature of cows, பெண்டிரும் – and women, பிணி உடையீரும் – and those of you with diseases, பேணி – protecting, தென்புல வாழ்நர்க்கு – to those who live in the south, அருங்கடன் இறுக்கும் – performing final rites, பொன் போல் புதல்வர்ப் பெறாஅதீரும் – and those of you who have not given birth to gold-like sons (பெறாஅதீரும் – அளபெடை), எம் அம்பு கடி விடுதும் – we are going to shoot our arrows நெடியோன் – your ancestor Nediyōn, நன்னீர்ப் பஃறுளி மணலினும் பலவே – many more days than the number of sands on the banks of Pahruli river with good water (பலவே – ஏகாரம் அசைநிலை, an expletive)
To be continued…………….
Tags- Purananuru Wonders 5- Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia Part 45 , Karikalan, Mudukudumi, Three Waters, war mongers, Arson attack, Kapilar
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
xxxx
Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia 44; One Thousand Interesting Facts -Part 44
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Item 278
புறநானூறு4, பாடியவர்: பரணர், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சோழன் உருவப்பஃறேர் இளஞ்சேட் சென்னி,
In Purananuru verse 4 composed by Paranar, we see a metaphor describing the king in the battlefield.
Blood stained sword of the Choza king- red sky;
Anklets- horns of the bull;
Shield with the holes- targets ;
Horses with red mouth- tiger that killed a deer;
Elephants- Yama, God of death;
The king riding a chariot- sun rising in the blue sea.
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279
தாயில் தூவாக் குழவி போல ஓவாது கூஉம், நின் உடற்றியோர் நாடே
There is a beautiful simile as well.
The countries conquered by you are wailing, crying like a motherless child.
Poet Paranar is famous for his similes and metaphors.
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280
Very interesting story about fox headed poet
புறநானூறு5, பாடியவர்: நரிவெரூஉத்தலையார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சேரமான் கருவூரேறிய ஒள்வாட் கோப்பெருஞ்சேரல்
There are two interpretations. 1.He is from a town named Nariverūuthalai which is not correct.
2.He has a disgusting head like a fox which was cured by the king.
Here also there are two interpretations.
As soon as he saw the king, his head disease was cured by a MIRACLE. And he got normal face with normal head.
In those days kings were considered Gods. People believed that just kings could do miracles. Even Tiruvalluvar talks about such miracles. If the king rules justly, the fields will yield tremendous harvest without any effort, he said.
Second interpretation is the king helped him to get proper medical treatment.
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281
காவல் குழவி கொள்பவரின் ஓம்புமதி,
He is also using a simile about children.
I have to tell you something! Protect your country like you would guard an infant.
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Full of Hindu Puranic Details!
Puranānūru 6, Poet KāriKizhār sang to Pandiyan Palyākasālai Muthukudumi Peruvazhuthi
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From Himalayas to Kanyakumari
Poet Kaarikizaar gives us very important details:
Eka Bharat- One India. From North to South and from East to West, One India.
Still there are some ignorant people in India who has been writing that British rule united India. But Hindu scriptures have been writing Aa Setu Himachala—From Dhanushkoti to Himalayas—
புறநானூறு6, பாடியவர்: காரிகிழார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: பாண்டியன் பல்யாகசாலை முதுகுடுமிப் பெருவழுதி
Pandya King Mudykudumi Peruvazuthi bows his head only on two occasions. When he is going around the Shiva Temple and when Brahmins bless him reciting the Four Vedas.
முனிவர் முக்கண் செல்வர் நகர் வலஞ் செயற்கே, இறைஞ்சுக பெரும நின் சென்னி! சிறந்த நான்மறை முனிவர் ஏந்து கை எதிரே
The word Shiva never occurs in Tamil until very late period like sixth century CE. But the poets used Blue throated, Three Eyed/Trayambaka god to mention Lord Siva. Here three eyed god is used.
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Throughout Sanskrit literature particularly, Kalidasa works, we see the kings are compared to Pancha Bhutas/five elements, Dik Palakas/Eight Vedic Gods of Eight Directions and Sun and Moon. Even in Purushasukta of Rig Veda tenth Mandala we see Sun and Moon are associated with the all-pervading God.
Here the poet compared the king with sun and moon. தண்கதிர் மதியம் போலவும், தெறு சுடர் ஒண்கதிர் ஞாயிறு போலவும், மன்னிய பெரும, நீ நிலமிசையானே!
Comparison with Kalidasa
Raghuvamsa – 1-29;2-75; 3-27; 4-11, 12; 6-31, 32.
In 4-11,12 and 6-31,32 we see Moon and Sun comparison to kings in Kaldasa.
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285 Go Loka
It looks like the poet was thorough with Hindu scriptures
He mentioned Yama;
He mentioned Go Loka (World of Cows)
He mentioned also the Sea Dug by Sagaras; that is why ocean is called Saagaram in Sanskrit
முப்புணர் அடுக்கிய Three Layers Bhur Bhuva Suvaha ; தொன்று முதிர் பௌவத்தின் குடக்கும் Ancient ocean; ஆனிலை உலகத்தானும் Go LOka –, தெரிகோல் ஞமன் போல Yama with Balance to weigh the Papa and Punya
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Sanskrit words used by the poet
Nagar- Temple
Gnaman -Yama
Yaagasaalaa – Firepit Sacrifice Shed
Ulakam – lokam
Desam- theyam
Muni- munivar
(Naan marai – four vedas)
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Dharma, Artha Kama, Moksha
Four Hindu values are mentioned in Tolkappiam and Tirukkural; in fact Kural is named (Muppaal in Tamil) Dharma, Artha, Kama in the same order.
Here the commentators add one more interesting interpretation. Poet Karikizar mentioned Mokha by mention the King Circumambulating temple, mentioned Dharma by the mention of Bowing to Brahmins in Yaga sala, Kama by referring to Let your anger disappear when you see family women, and Artha by mentioning conquering enemy lands.
To be continued…………
Tags- Purananuru Wonders 4, Go loka, Hindu Values, Yaga Sala, bowing to Brahmins, Going round temple, Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia 44, One Thousand Interesting Facts -Part 44
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Durga is a very popular deity. The general description of Durga given in Kashyapa silpa represents her as having four arms, two eyes, high hips, high breasts and all ornaments. She holds the conch and the discuss in her upper hands, while her right lower hand presents the Abhaya posture and the left lower hand rests the waist. She stands on a lotus pedestal and has a breast band of serpents and a red petticoat.
According to the Silparatna, Mula Durga holds in her lower hands the bow and the arrow.
From Mahabalipuram comes the figure of a Durga who stands on the buffalo’s head. She has eight arms, in the upper most of which are found the discuss and the conch. The other weapons held are the sword and the bell on the right side and the bow and the shield on the left. The lowest of the right hands holds evidently a Sriphala or the bel-fruit. And the corresponding left has a parrot perching on it and rests freely on the waist of the goddess. The necklace, breast band and the garment, hanging in folds down to her feet deserve to be noticed. The absence of finger rings on eight hands of the goddess is peculiar.
The illustration shows also other figures surrounding the goddess, viz., two male devotees with peculiar head dress kneeling at her feet, two female attendants on either side holding the sword and the bow, two demi gods, one of whom is carrying a chauri, and a lion and a deer.
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In another Mandapa at Mahabalipuram is a sculpture evidently of the same goddess with the lion and the deer , pairs of demi gods on the sides and devotees at the feet, one of whom is either cutting off his hair or his neck. The goddess has only four arms and stands on an ordinary pedestal but not on the buffalo’s head.
At Sri Mushnam in South Arcot is an image of Durga with eight arms showing almost the same symbols as those of the figure at Mahabalipuram described above, the only exception being that instead of the bell in one of the right hands , she is holding an arrow. The figure stands on the head of a buffalo without any other accompanying attendants and has an umbrella overhead.
Images of Durga with four or more arms standing on the head of a buffalo are generally found placed on the niche of northern wall of the central shrines of Siva temples in south India.
Occasionally, however, they may stand on ordinary pedestal without the buffalo’s head, as at Tiruvotriyur near Chennai.
In the Vishnu temple at Tirumalisai is a similar image, which is said to be Lakshmi, but perhaps represents Durga without the buffalo head.
Mahisasuramardini is represented in the Nrisimhaprasada as the youthful but angry Parvati with three broad eyes , a slender waist, heaving breasts, one face and twenty hands. Below her is the buffalo demon with his hand cut off and rolling on the ground. A man emerging from the buffalo’s neck is seen holding a weapon in his hand, abject with fear. Pierced by the trident of the goddess, he is vomiting blood. The lion too on which the goddess rides attack the giant with its mouth while the noose held by the gooses is tightly fastened around his neck. The goddess’ right leg is placed on the lion while the other steps on the body of the demon. This form of Chandi is propitiated by those who wish to destroy their enemies. The ruling family of Mysore has Chamunda – Chandi for its tutelary deity.
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Durga is Krishna’s sister
The puranas say that Durga was born of Yashoda in order to save the life of Krishna, who was just then born to Devaki. The children were exchanged under divine intervention. Kamsa, the cruel brother of Devaki , who had vowed to kill all the children of his sister, thought that this female child was Devaki’s and dashed it against a stone. But, then, the child flew into air and assuming the form of Durga/ Maha Maya mocked him and went away. On account of this she is known as the sister of Vasudeva Krishna.
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Durga , Chamunda and Mahishasuramardini are seen holding the Vaishnavite symbols of discuss and conch.
Mahisa asura = buffalo demon
It is stated that the active energy of Siva, which is Vishnu himself, receives the nameKkali while it assumes an energy mood, that in battles it is recognised as Durga and that in peace and pleasure it takes the form of Bhavani/ Parvati.
Chamunda is another form of Parvati when she killed the giant called Chanda – Munda
The Silpa sastra mentions a Chandika/ Chamunda of eighteen arms to whom God Siva presented trisula/trident Krishna, the conch, Agni, the weapon called Sakti.
According to Markandeya Purana, the goddess that killed the buffalo demon was made up of the fierce radiance of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma while all other gods contributed the powers peculiarly characteristic of them for the formation of her limbs and ornaments.
Chamunda may be represented with 8, 10, 12 or 16 arms made either of wood or of mortar. When in dancing posture she must have 8, 6 or 4 hands. She is known by name Karaali or Bhadrakaali when she has 8 arms, Kaala bhadraa when she has 6 arms, and Kaali when she has 4 arms.
Bhadrakaali has a terrible face, fat breasts, protruding teeth and a long tongue and wears a garland of skulls.
She rides on a lion and stamps under her foot the head of the buffalo demon.
Hemadri quoting the Vishnudharmottara says that Bhadrakali has 18 arms and is seated in the aalidha posture in a car drawn by four lions. When worshipped by Brahmanas she has 10 arms, Jatamakuta and all ornaments.
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Kaalabhadraa has a beautiful white form but is fierce, being worshipped in burial grounds under the name of Karaala bhadraa, seated in the Viirasana posture with the foot placed over the head of the buffalo demon. The same goddess when worshipped by the Kshatriyas is called Kaali or Mahaa Kaali. In this form she ordinarily holds a trident or sword in one hand and a skull or a cup of wine or fire in the other, rides on a corpse and has a lean stomach.
The owl is her vehicle.
She wears the tiger skin, a scarf of elephant’s hide and a garland of heads; has three eyes and the ear ornaments are shaped like conches.; and is fond of flesh and blood. She is followed by evil spirits who fill the four quarters with their roar, and she roams about the earth riding on their shoulders.
Kali is represented sometimes with 12 or 16 arms and called Charcharaa and Bhairavi respectively.
–subham—
Tags-Hinduism through 500 Pictures in Tamil and English-31; படங்கள் மூலம் இந்து மதம் கற்போம்-31, Durga, Kali,Chamunda, Mahisauramardini
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Tamil and Vedas 